METHODS OF CARGO PILLAGERS OUTLINED

Wanganui Chronicle, 30 September 1947, Page 6

METHODS OF CARGO PILLAGERS OUTLINED

FOREMAN FACES 11 CHARGES OF RECEIVING (P.A.) Auckland, Sept. 29 Methods used by cargo pillagers to dispose of goods stolen on the Auckland waterfront were revealed in the Magistrate’s Court when Felix Albert John Judd, aged 32 years, foreman for Nagel’s Creations, Ltd., appeared on 11 charges of receiving stolen goods. Judd pleaded guilty to all the charges, which involved goods of a total value of £2636, mostly cloths and cloth piece goods.

They were stolen between September, 1946, and July, 1947. from the Essex, Somerset, Northumberland, Tower Hill, Kent, Fordsdale and Largs Bay. In a verbal and written statements, accused had made the following points about cargo pillaging, said Detective Lennon. Judd’s contacts had been made at the Watersiders’ Band Club, where he had met the men Irom whom the stolen goods had been received; the men had been introduced to him by a man who was already known to the police, but whose identity he was not prepared to disclose. He had sold “hot” goods under his invoice but no carbon copies had been kept in his invoice book. On one occasion he had met a taxi coming from the wharf, had changed places with an occupant, and had found several pieces of material inside. He had taken the material and sold it. On another occasion, he had been told by some seamen that they had some stolen goods and had taken a room at an hotel as a receiving depot.

Seven merchants’ representatives gave evidence of having been sold goods by Judd and eight witnesses told of goods that they had lost through pillaging. Evidence of the thefts was also given by claims clerks for Shaw Savill and Company and the New Zealand Shipping Company respectively. Judd was committed to the Supreme Court for sentence. Bail was renewed on his own recognisance cf £lOO and one surety for £2OO.